but i'm moved to find out about asahikawa. someone like him can help ease tension. >>> next we go to our bureau in bangkok. here's the latest on what's making headlines in the region. >>> minister on sunday called on afghanistan's president to help freedom for 30 people including dozens of children held captive by the pakistani taliban. abducted on thursday. they were on an outing in afghanistan's border province of kunar. the pakistani taliban has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings. they said it captured them because their parents and tribal elders are helping the government and fighting against the group. pakistani officials have said the captives are under 16 years old. the taliban claim they have released the youngsters and are holding only young men. pakistani interior minister malik told reporters he had asked afghan president hamid karsai to help free the boys. the captives come from an area of pakistan opposed to al qaeda and the taliban. people there have raised militias to fight the groups, angry militants wh